'Millionaire's playground' left to rot

Jul 9 2008 By Robert Cumber

Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, in front of a Gothic folly in Gunnersbury Park

Gunnersbury Park has been named as one of England's most endangered sites in what supporters hope will act as a wake-up call to those in charge.

Many of its crumbling buildings and monuments were already on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk register, but this is the first time the charity has highlighted the threat to the park as a whole.

The 186-acre site in Gunnersbury Avenue, Brentford, contains 21 listed buildings, nine of which are 'at risk' - including the Gothic Boathouse and Large Mansion.

For years it has been left to rot, with many buildings falling into disrepair, but a new board was set up in March last year to spearhead its regeneration and last month people were invited to become stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Richard Gill has been appointed development and regeneration manager for the park following his success on a similar project at Chiswick House and Gardens.

Brentford councillor Matt Harmer said: "It's always been a challenge running what was once a millionaire's playground on a municipal parks budget but the ambition's there to preserve and improve the park."

A spokesman for Hounslow and Ealing councils said a conservation plan had been drawn up and would go out to public consultation soon.

"There is a real desire to find new investment and transform this much-loved park for present and future generations to enjoy," he added.

Hounslow has 20 buildings listed on the latest 'at risk' register, including Brentford Baths and The Hermitage in Heston.

• Anyone keen to become a stakeholder in Gunnersbury Park, from wildlife experts to regular users, can register their interest by calling 020 8992 1612.